As the demand for energy grows, the opportunities for individuals looking for a challenging and rewarding career awaits. Pursuing a career as a nuclear maintenance technician offers individuals that are detail-oriented an opportunity for a lucrative and stable career.
Apply to Become a Nuclear Maintenance Technician
What Exactly Does a Nuclear Maintenance Technician Do?
A typical nuclear maintenance job description calls for a highly skilled professional that is responsible for the maintenance, inspection, repair, and testing of multiple systems within a nuclear facility. These systems include electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation/control within the nuclear power plant. A nuclear maintenance technician is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and continuous operation of the nuclear systems and equipment.
The duties of a nuclear maintenance technician are crucial in ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and facility reliability. To successfully achieve these responsibilities, a nuclear maintenance technician must be capable of performing preventative and corrective maintenance, installing and overhauling equipment, and the ability to read and interpret schematics to comprehend system operations to properly execute the necessary tasks. A nuclear maintenance technician must be capable of completing duties with the utmost in safety compliance and protocols. Working frequently in radiologically controlled areas, these technicians must be able to adhere to strict procedures and utilize the proper protective gear. The core duties of the nuclear maintenance technician are the upkeep of equipment, the ability to troubleshoot, and adhere to regulatory compliance.
Step 1: Meeting the Educational and Skill Prerequisites
Generally, the primary entry requirements for a nuclear maintenance technician are a high school diploma or GED. While most who pursue employment as a nuclear maintenance technician will hold an Associate’s in nuclear related area of study, not all nuclear maintenace positions require a degree. Individuals with post-secondary education and training in electrical or mechanical engineering technologies or another applied science would be plus, as well as any prior experience in the field through military training or apprenticeships.
While the educational components can vary from job to job, attention to detail, problem-solving, and adherence to strict procedures are essential are common skills required by any nuclear maintenance technician employer. Nuclear maintenance technicians must keep accurate records, exercise precision in system monitoring, and the ability to collaborate and communicate clearly.
Step 2: Formal Training, Certifications, and Apprenticeships
With safety being first-hand, and responsibilities of working in a nuclear facility, candidates for a nuclear maintenance technician position must successfully meet the necessary background checks, psychological screenings, and security clearances to achieve employment. Every prospective employee will be required to complete formal on-the-job training or participate in an apprenticeship program to become proficient in site-specific equipment, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Nuclear maintenance technician candidates who hold relevant certifications would significantly benefit when seeking employment. Certifications such as the Certified Nuclear Professional to OSHA certifications are candidacy boosters. Other certifications that can be helpful are those associated with particular manufacturers, equipment, and skill sets.
How Much Do Nuclear Maintenance Technician’s Get Paid?
Nuclear maintenance technicians receive competitive pay that reflects their skills and experience. A broad salary range exists in the particular field. Individuals can expect to earn from $50,000 to beyond $100,000. These salaries are also impacted significantly with the opportunities to earn overtime wages.
Employment in this field also offers a plethora of benefits. Benefit packages for nuclear maintenance technicians are normally quite robust, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement and pension programs, and the opportunity for career advancement.
Ready to Start a Career as a Nuclear Maintenance Technician?
If you’re interested in a challenging career and work for a leader in the energy industry, then apply for a nuclear maintenance technician job at the Merrick Group. For over 30 years, the Merrick Group has been globally recognized for our reliability and safety. As a family owned and operated company, we are dedicated to providing our employees the best in career advancement and professional growth. At Merrick, we pride ourselves on our employee training and educational programs. If you have the desire and the drive, our team can provide you the industry’s best training and certification opportunities.
